Automobile Accidents Archives

Could you be compensated if your loved one was killed in a car accident?

As common as it is, driving is one of the most dangerous behaviors we can engage in. Not only do we have to be concerned with our own driving, but we must be worried about all of the other drivers on the road. When another driver or drivers act negligently and cause personal injuries or death, the person injured or his or her family might be entitled to compensation. Recently an Aurora, Illinois woman was killed due to the negligence of other drivers and her family has agreed to a large settlement. In April of 2013, Carmen Cantu was driving her Nissan eastward down Interstate 88 in Illinois. She was rear-ended by another car driven by Spencer Johnson and then hit by a commercial truck operated by Duane Buell and owned by Breckenridge Trucking Inc. Cantu died as a result of injuries sustained in the crash. Johnson was charged with traffic violations relating to his failure to slow down and was found guilty, while Buell was not held criminally liable. Cantu's daughter, Veronica Cantu, brought a wrongful death lawsuit, not only against Johnson and Buell, but also against Breckenridge Trucking. Both Johnson and Breckenridge are now paying out after reaching a $1.25 million dollar settlement. Of the $1.25 million dollars, Breckenridge will pay out $1 million while Johnson's insurance company will be responsible for $250,000. As Cantu had two daughters, Veronica and Evelyn, the court will decide how the proceeds from the settlement will be divided. Automobile accidents happen every day and some are more serious than others. If you have sustained personal injuries or your loved one was killed in an accident, it is imperative to obtain the advice of a seasoned attorney. The Chicago, Waukegan and McHenry personal injury attorneys at Ryan, Ryan & Landa have years of experience in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. Call (847) 416-1989 for a consultation today.

Automobile accidents are a leading cause of death in the United States. The presence of commercial trucks on the road makes driving even more dangerous. Due to the size and weight of these vehicles an accident with a truck can have devastating results. Many parties can contribute to a trucking accident and many cases revolve around misconduct by the truck driver. Truck drivers work long hours, usually by themselves, which can cause them to fall subject to fatigue and boredom. These two factors often cause drivers to engage in negligent and reckless conduct while behind the wheel. Now, many drivers are monitored using cameras installed in the cabs of their trucks. A recent Illinois case is centered on footage recorded by one of these cameras. Jeanette Pivot, 64, was killed in an accident with a tractor trailer. She was traveling down I-80 at night when she realized there was a car accident ahead due to the flashing lights of a police vehicle. She stopped at the accident and was then hit in the rear by a tractor trailer traveling in the same direction who failed to stop in time. A camera installed in the driver's truck shows him with heavy eyelids and nodding off. It also shows that he does not react to the scene until 1 second before colliding with Pivot. The driver has been charged with reckless homicide and accused of falling asleep at the wheel. His attorneys claim that he did not fall asleep but was blinded by the scene ahead. Pivot's daughter has also filed a wrongful death suit against the driver and his employer, Black Horse Carriers, seeking damages for the death of her mother. It is unclear how the video will be perceived in this case.For now, the debate about the use of cameras in trucks and busses is ongoing. While these devices can show what happened before and after a crash, it is unclear if they actually prevent accidents from occurring. If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a trucking accident, you need an experienced attorney. Contact the Chicago, McHenry and Waukegan, Illinois attorneys at Ryan, Ryan & Landa today by calling (847)416-1989.

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